Am I in an abusive relationship?

Is this an abusive relationship?

Everyone has arguments, and everyone disagrees with their partners, family members and others close to them from time to time. And we all do things at times that we regret, and which cause unhappiness to those we care about. But if this begins to form a consistent pattern, then it is an indication of domestic violence and abuse.

Sometimes it can be difficult to recognise that you’re in an abusive relationship. Even if you do realise that things are wrong, you may think that you are partly to blame for what is happening. You need to remember that you haven’t done anything wrong, and that there are people who can help you to stay safe and end the abuse.

Some of the things that an abusive partner in a relationship may do:

They make threats and do things just to scare me.

Puts me down just to make me feel bad when we’re alone or around friends.

Makes me do things that I don’t want to do without listening to me.

Makes me feel guilty if I don’t spend time with them.

They don’t try to get on with my friends or family.

Hits, slaps or pushes me (assault).

Looks through my phone, social media or web browsing history.

Wants to know where I am all the time.

Cheats on me or accuses me of cheating on them.

Steals from me (theft) or makes me buy them things.

Makes me have sex when I don’t want to (rape).

Makes me do sexual things that I don’t want to including sex crimes such as rape or sexual assault, or online sex crimes such as posting sexual photos of someone online.